McDonald Falls Overlook

The McDonald Creek Overlook at Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Montana is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to an overlook high above McDonald Creek's turquoise waters and features views of McDonald Falls.

Exploring McDonald Falls

This very short trail should not be considered a hike but rather a short roadside stop along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors will follow the paved sidewalk from the parking turnout toward a short dirt trail that leads downhill to an overlook above McDonald Creek. From the overlook, you'll find beautiful views of the creek below with its surrounding evergreen forest, towering alpine mountains overhead, and turquoise waters below. Despite the defined overlook, the best views of McDonald Falls can be found closer to the actual trailhead at the parking turnout. The view down into McDonald Creek, closer to the waterfall, includes the crystal-clear turquoise waters that sit just below the base of McDonald Falls. McDonald Falls cascades down two tiers of bedrock to form the entire waterfall which, in total, is about 22-feet tall. If you wish to explore McDonald Falls from up close, you can do so by hiking there via the Sacred Dancing Cascade & McDonald Falls hike.

Vehicle Reservations

Depending on what time of year you visit, you may need to reserve a vehicle entrance pass to get into the park, in addition to a park entry fee (or annual National Parks pass). Before planning this hike, ensure you've checked the NPS website for when and where Glacier NP vehicle reservations are required.

Universal Access

Note that the dirt trail may not be fully accessible to visitors but the paved sidewalk that lines the parking turnout is universally accessible as of September 2024. Visitors will find a nice view of McDonald Falls from the paved sidewalk, hence this overlook should be considered universally-accessible.

Parking

Visitors will find a large parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located along the north side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The turnout is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles as of September 2024 and the spaces generally fill up quickly each day.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on any trails at the park; however, dogs are allowed in vehicles at parking lots or on paved surfaces. Hence, dogs are allowed only only the paved sidewalk at the parking turnout here but not beyond the trailhead sign. Always follow park rules and regulations especially when it comes to pets -- always have your pet leashed and cleaned-up after.